AuCl3 on polypyrrole-modified carbon nanotubes as acetylene hydrochlorination catalysts

In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) was deposited on the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and PPy–MWCNTs were used to support the AuCl3 catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the presence of PPy species in AuCl3/PPy–MWCNT catalysts. AuCl3/PPy–MWCNTs displayed enhanced catalytic activity and stability for acetylene hydrochlorination compared to AuCl3/MWCNT. Electron transfer may occur between the N atom of PPy and the Au3+ center, which affects the adsorption of hydrogen chloride during acetylene hydrochlorination.